Review: A Torrent of Deceit by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

A Torrent of Deceit by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte is right in the middle of the war between the two families and is in the bosom of the dangerous LaViolette clan under the assumption that she alone can save those who she loves but to do that she has to do it from within with no friends nor allies to help her and with her magic being meaningless among all the other witches. Nicholas' distance from Lauren means that the relationship between her and Ashley can blossom and so while burying his love for Lauren he focuses on helping Charlotte from the outside spending his dyad looking over his shoulder and his nights without sleep. But this desperate plan is very reckless and his old and new life will intersect in irreversible ways. Far too late Charlotte realises that Harlowe LaViolette has always been several steps in front of her. With no word from Charlotte in months, Nicholas has no choice but to take a bold chance and change course which is a move that will come at a vast cost to everyone who they love.

OMG - plots and subplots weaving around each other as they try to forward their aims in the way they think are correct even though it later appears that they made incorrect choices. It will be interesting to see in the next book in this series what happens for both Charlotte and Nicholas after their actions from this book and the changes that happened right at the end. So right now I feel very sorry for Charlotte and just want to shake Nicholas. Well written, and easy to read/understand as long as you keep the plots clear in your head. (I had to read some sections twice just to make absolutely sure I understood it which was not a reflection on the standard of the writing but the complexity of the plots).

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Review: The Hidden Kingdom by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

The Hidden Kingdom by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The king is now dead and the would-be brides have taken control and made their own destinies. Any that are left wear scars - some with pride and some with remorse. Sorceror Oldwin is in the stolen throne but that is becoming shaky and it currently relies on truth remaining hidden from the kingdom. Other sorcerers are working to make the past become just that and they have already saved Dain Rhiagain and therefore there is hope in his line that they can save the kingdom and therefore all of the worlds. Can Dain's three children who were raised in ignorance of their parentage and skills confront so that the kingdom can survive the final days ahead? But theirs is not the only sacrifice required. The dying words of an old man will stir one man and his Reach toward a new destiny, one that will decide the fate of all the worlds.

This is definitely an action-packed final instalment of the series that will give readers some surprises, some long-awaited answers to questions that I'm sure we all had, and at the end a sense of closure. There are as usual for this author a lot of intertwined events and some cause and effect happening throughout the story that in places I recommend reading them more than once in order to pick up the nuances. This is definitely a book that you have to have read the previous ones first as you will need to background. In my mind, I can see a series of post-it notes on a large board with string between them so that the connections are all documented. This might be the last book in the trilogy, but I can guarantee that there are more books that are set in this world to be written and issued yet. Well written, easy to read and understand. Contains some violence and sexual content. Definitely a prime example of the Epic Fantasy genre.

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Review: The Broken Realm by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

The Broken Realm by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is chaos across the White Kingdom as the events from the previous book mount up. Add together the missing children, the number of dead nobles and some daring escapes and the future of the entire realm is threatened. The resistance has a powerful secret weapon and they are starting to prepare to make a stand against the crown. The Quinlanden Guard have spread men and cruelty all over their reach, the sorcerer Mortain is in the Easterlands and he is increasing his influence over the Saleen which could be unleashed against the kingdom. Across the entire kingdom, it appears as if these separate threats are orchestrated by the crown and that the king's victory cannot be far away. In Duncarrow, King Eoghan is discovering that his authority is not absolute as there are other powers at play - he is told only what those close to him want and they are issuing orders in his name. He is becoming desperate and that fragile resolve he had is dissolving. However, all across the kingdom, magic is awakening.

This is an epic series as must be approached with the determination to stick with it and roll with all of the punches and changes that happen. There are a lot of intertwined events across the families and key members in what has happened already, is currently happening or will happen in the future. I did enjoy the interplay between some of the characters who seemed to find a way to get on and work together even though it did not appear that they would naturally be allies. You really needed to have read the previous book in the series so that you had all the relevant background. I definitely grew to respect Ravenna and Esmerelda a great deal and was thrilled when they found a way to work and be there for each other. There is a rape scene in this story so please be prepared for that. Well written and easy to understand (although you may have to read certain parts more than once to fully appreciate them).

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Review: The Kingless Crown by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

The Kingless Crown by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the Kingdom, there are four Reaches and twenty years ago the current king cunningly devised a plan to marry the highborn sons of and daughters quickly to each other to stop them constantly being at war with each other. The side effect of that was to shatter the existing betrothals that were already in place. Cruel and some would say he was the evil son of the original king, Eoghan is now a boy-king having stolen his crown through murder is now demanding the eldest daughters of these unions - the accept this demand is unfathomable but also to refuse it is considered treason. The lords and ladies prepare their daughters for the horrors ahead as they have no stomach for a fight, but they soon discover that their daughters have taken matters into their own hands and have disappeared. However, they are not the only ones, as across the entire kingdom signs of rebellion are appearing everywhere. As the lords and ladies prepare to face the king, the entire kingdom is havering on the edge of chaos, and no one can tell what is going to happen next.

Wow. This is the start of an epic series that has plot lines that if they were drawn out would rival that of a diagram of a computer circuit board. We are taken through the history and the background of the current situation before we start to experience life from the viewpoint of the various players in the story. While I found the story slow and heavy going at the start, I do admit that you need to be prepared to read all of that to understand the story going forward too. So many things happened in this first book in the series that I am really intrigued as to what is going to happen next when we get to the next book. Well written and easy to read and understand, you will need to treat this as a marathon at first before you then start to motor through the book as you get more and more addicted to the story and what is going to happen next.

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Review: 1980: The Seven Book Seven by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1980: The Seven Book Seven by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the final book in the series giving all the background of the lives of the Deschanel siblings before The House of Crimson and Clover series. Some more major incidents occurred that have a lasting effect and shape the events of the following series.

This was well written and very enjoyable. It makes me want to go and re-read the House of Crimson and Clover series now as I feel I would have a better appreciation of the events that befell the Deschanel siblings and their children.

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Review: 1976: The Seven Book Six by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1976: The Seven Book Six by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

By 1976 the Deschanel siblings are parents and their childhood is long gone. Charles is torn between love for his son by the wife he despises and the prospect of having children with a woman who is welcoming to him. Augustus is a widower and focuses on his daughter Anasofiya to the exclusion of almost everything else. Colleen is married to the love of her life as she has to step into the shoes of the family matriarch. Genius Evangeline is in her new world in Cambridge but has to confront fears she and hoped were left behind long ago and Maureen's life is turned upside down in an unlikely connection. Elizabeth tried hard to be a caretaker for Augustus and Anasofiya while avoiding seeing her own future. The family will keep on moving through the seventies realising the power of fate they cannot avoid mixed n with secrets, lies and deceit.

This was a rollercoaster as many of their lives seemed to implode around them while the more stable influences tried to hold everything together for the rest of the family. Many of the events from previous years in the series came to fruition and it was interesting to see how each of these progressed. I think these books benefit from reading them in sequence and it helps to understand the family members and history behind many of the relationships. Well written, everything was clear and easy to understand. Very enjoyable.

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Review: A Storm of Revelations: Midnight Dynasty Book Two by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

A Storm of Revelations: Midnight Dynasty Book Two by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two ancient families - on the one side the Deschanels, on the other the sinister LaViolettes, both have age-old secrets but underlying all of that is a deep and abiding hatred of each other. Charlotte is a Deschanel but the LaViolettes make claims about her parentage that must be impossible but also ring true. In drawing closer to Harlowe and the family she realises the great danger to herself, her family and her love Lawrence. As Nicholas rises to the head of the Deschanel family he becomes more distant from Lauren as he realises that to be close to her will put her in greater danger. So he turns away to focus on the LaViolette threat to the family. Nicholas has to work out when to play his hand as Charlotte gets closer to the rabbit hole that is the LaViolette family.

This story was full of intense drama and emotions as the events unfolded between the two families. There were some selfless acts on the part of Nicholas which were unexpected as he was obviously growing up and taking responsibility. This is definitely a game of high stakes and I'm definitely intrigued and want to know how it all turns out. Will the Deschanel family stay safe, will Nicholas and Charlotte regret the choices they have made? Well written and very enjoyable.

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Review: 1975: The Seven Book Five by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1975: The Seven Book Five by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this tale of the events that affected the Deschanel siblings in 1975, they are starting to have families and make very long lasting decisions about their futures. Charles is now a father and has a whole new priority that overrides his reckless behaviour of the past, Augustus has a dissolving marriage at the same time that he discovers he is to become a father, Colleen is in love in Scotland, Evangeline is in New England using education soothe her soul, Maureen is now a mother which has become her true purpose and Elizabeth finds penance for the past by helping Augustus. How will the family navigate through all the secrets, lies and fates that they cannot escape no matter their wealth and power?

There was a lot of emotional torture in this book for the siblings and very little pleasure. A lot of the time this seems to be a reward for past actions and only on rare occasions was it undeserved. It was interesting to see how they reacted to their own scenarios and the effects of their behaviour on the others. I felt desperately sorry for Augustus, Evangeline and Maureen and their situations but not so sad for both Charles and Colleen. Well written and enjoyable to read. This book is a must for anyone who has read the House of Crimson and Clover series of books.

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Review: 1974: The Seven Book Four by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1974: The Seven Book Four by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

By 19774 the Deschanel siblings are exploring themselves and their own feelings more while doing their best to suppress their talents. They all struggled with growing up and the themes of being an adult and taking responsibility. They are doing many of the typical things as per the times so those involve the cars, events and even protests of that time (something readers will either remember or discover) and all accurately done which highlights the careful research done by the author. This book was certainly about all of the siblings but especially Maureen which gave some interesting insights into both her but also the make up of the family and some of the dynamics. There are some good links to the House of Crimson and Clover series which means that some of what happened there has a next context and makes better sense to me. Well written this was clear and easy to both read and understand. Works best if you have read the earlier books in this series.

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Review: 1973: The Seven Book Three by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

1973: The Seven Book Three by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

By 1973 the 7 Deschanel siblings are coming into their own lives and personalities more and are scattered across the family properties in New Orleans. Charles has a character change and agrees to marry a woman who he doesn't love and Augustus is concentrating on work until an employee turns his head. Colleen seems to have been led astray and is ignoring her better judgement and Evangeline enrols into college but then lives a second life that no one else anticipates. Maureen discovers there is much more to her strange ability that anyone every thought and it might cost her soul. Elizabeth is just her usual anguished self as she knows how events will unfold for all of them and wants to do something to change it for them. How will the family fare as they discover some secrets, lies and fates that they cannot escape.

This was full of drama and intrigue as the 7 siblings explored their world, their skills and their personalities. I can already see how the development of each of hem fits in with the main series around the Deschanel family. Well written and clear/easy to understand it was very enjoyable and helped me to both understand the characters more and the year that is covered in this book. Recommended for anyone who read the main series about the family or has read the previous books in this series.

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Review: 1972: The Seven Book Two by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1972: The Seven Book Two by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's 1972 and the remaining 6 Deschanel siblings are living with their mother just outside of New Orleans. They are each unique with their gifts even if some wish desperately if they could give them back. They are all tortured in their own way after the tragic loss of one of their own a couple of years ago. Charles spirals into more depravity, Augustus fixes what he can while losing himself in the world of business, Colleen focuses on her education, Evangeline pays a dark cost for the discovery of a life outside of studying and lastly there is Elizabeth with the burden of knowledge of what is coming. Seems things are not about to get better anytime soon!

There were lots of interwoven strands in this story that managed to connect and then separate as the story progressed. Some very sad moments and times when I definitely felt their pain and internal torture. Definitely tempted me to want to know what happens in the next book now so I get to know how it all develops next. For anyone who has read the Hours of Crimson and Clover series this is definitely answering a few questions or giving valuable background. Well written and clear and easy to understand this was a very enjoyable book.

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Review: 1970 by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1970 by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in New Orleans the Dechanel children all live with their widowed mother Irish Coleen in a garden district mansion. All seven children are uniquely different and each has a gift although some of them wish fervently that they could give them back. She cannot help them with their magic talents nor does she understand it - it is beyond her knowledge and understanding. When the youngest one (a prophet) tells her mother that one of them will die there is no way of knowing who or when just that it will occur. Charles is a playboy, Augustus the one who always fixes the family, Coleen is a pragmatist, Evangeline is just a genius, Maureen a dreamer and Elizabeth is tortured with those prophesies. Who will it be, how will it happen and how will the family fare?

This is definitely a series for all those people who a) didn't want the House of Crimson and Clover to end and b) wanted to know how they got where they are during that series. It was great to read about all the things that happened to the family and siblings that shaped their personalities and relationships. As this book ended some of the things from the House of Crimson and Clover started to connect and make sense more. Easy to read and understand it was an enjoyable book. You don't need to have read the other series first to enjoy this book.

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Review: The Island: Vampires of the Merovingi Book 1 by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

The Island: Vampires of the Merovingi Book 1 by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Etienne de Blanchefortis a French colonial plantation owner on the island of Saint-Domingue in the West Indies. He feels very justified in his move there after the French Revolution hits and they are largely unaffected. However when his "fiend" arrives he cannot reconcile his mind to what they really are let alone cope with hid wife's dreams that are stealing life from her, his three daughters who are becoming more free, curious or doing strange drawings and then his son gets a new friend that he won't talk about. So when the fiend makes a strange request from him their lives are going to change their (and their descendants) lives forevermore.

This is an interesting time and as usual the author has really worked hard at investigating the world that this story takes place and her writing shows that as it paints a clear picture in your mind as to where they are, what is happening and why. That also meant that I could really feel what they were thinking. An enjoyable story that sets a great foundation for the series going forward.

**Please note this is earlier than the House of Crimson and Clover and so you don't need to read that series first.

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Review: A Tempest of Discovery by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

A Tempest of Discovery: Midnight Dynasty Book One by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nicolas Deschanel was more into his own pleasure but has changed and is trying his best to be the man he wants and should be. He is working closely with lawyer Lauren and she is sceptical of his redeption as they do the research into the subjects that interest the collective. Charlotte Fontenot and her cousin Julian are on a mission in Paris and are both discovering that they are more than they appear as she gets closer to Lawrence. Nicholas and Laurent then start to look at the LaViolette family and things start to go south on both fronts for the family.

Wow - once again the world that this author has created expands in this new spin-off series which once again this no shortage of drama, danger, twists and turns as the story progresses towards what turns out to be an explosive finale that has me completely hooked - I really NEED to know what happens next after the complete surprise that knocked me sideways at the end of this book. Well written and very clear and easy to understand.

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Review: Within the Garden of Twilight: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume IX by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

Within the Garden of Twilight: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume IX by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

Life appears to be back to normal for the Deschanel family - they are establishing routine, getting jobs or studying at college. But there are plenty of shadows from the past lurking with the promise of something happening soon.

This was a continuation of the story with yet more strands being pulled together or in some cases pulled apart. The writing was good and I could understand and experience the thoughts and emotions of the characters as the story developed. There are some big stories developing and I look forward to those being concluded in the next book.

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Review: Shattered by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

Shattered by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

Anasofiya Deschanel has run to Maine to escape her demons but learns she cannot do that. Then she ends up getting caught between the St Andrews brother - Jon has the darkness like her and Finn is kind and good (something she feels she does not deserve). Ana learns much more about herself and her demons as well as her own origins. Things will never be the same again.

This was a good book that explains all about Maine, Ana and her relationship with both of the St Andrews brothers. It was explained fairly well although I did find myself getting a bit frustrated with some of the characters - not sure if that was down to the writing or just the way the characters were behaving (I wanted to knock some heads together). The writing was good and the story was explained well.

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Review: The Storm and the Darkness by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

The Storm and the Darkness by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

After making a dreadful mistake Ana Deschanel runs away from New Orleans to Summer Island, Maine. However it's not as friendly and tranquil as she helped especially her veterinarian neighbour Jonathan St. Andrews.

Ana Deschanel has made a terrible mistake. The only chance of protecting the other people involved is to flee New Orleans, the only home she has ever known, for the quiet solitude of Summer Island. The locals are distant and cold, especially her neighbour, the reclusive veterinarian Jonathan St. Andrews, but thankfully she has a lifeline in the caretaker Alex Whitman who tries to warn her that she is not prepared for the impending winter. She also meets Jonathan's brother Finn but when attempting to return something to Finn she slips and falls onto some jagged rocks. Thankfully the brothers find her in time but have to find a way to protect them all from a storm and some mysterious darkness that are approaching.

This story is a necessary read if you want to understand some relationships between the characters in the main series.

I loved this story - it has some very real characters with intense and complex relationships between them. It was well written and I could feel all the thoughts, emotions and turmoil that they all went through at different times. Reading this definitely enhanced my understanding of a part of the series.

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Review: The Secrets Amongst the Cypress: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume VIII by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

The Secrets Amongst the Cypress: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume VIII by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

Jacob's first attempt at time travel leaves him and Amelia back in Louisiana - only problem is that the year is 1861 and the Civil War is about to start. Even worse they have no luggage, no invitation and have to think quickly and rely on the goodwill and manners of Charles and Brigitte Deschanel who believe they are cousins visiting from abroad. As they try to come to terms with the tragic things that caused them to flee in the first place, they both struggle and Amelia finds herself in the world of a strange man called Victor who seems to know everything there is about them both. As they struggle to find themselves again and handle what has happened they are drawn into the rather bizarre world of the Deschanel family which has the potential to drive them further apart. Can they get through this and still be together before they stay too long and cause untold damage?

I liked this story. I found it a little hard going at times but I think that was probably because they had so much to sort through in their lives and that affected me as well. It was well told and everything was clearly explained. I could feel their thoughts and emotions which made me so desperately sorry for them at times. You definitely need to read the previous books in this series to understand what is going on in this one.

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Review: The Hinterland Veil: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume VII by Sarah M. Cradit 5 of 5 stars

The Hinterland Veil: The House of Crimson & Clover Volume VII by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

Finn is delayed getting to Ana as he has to progress on his Quinlan training while Aleksandr is getting more comfortable with himself and his powers as he also discovers his first love. Nicholas takes Mercy to Scotland in a desperate move to try and search for a cure for her. At the same time Ana and Cyler are trying to resolve their own internal battles. Can all these groups of characters in disparate locations somehow find a solution to their problems?

I loved this story which was carrying on with the story and following the various groups of family members who are trying to resolve their problems. The writing was good and it was quite emotional in places as development occurred in the story for some of the characters. Now I just need to read the next one as I have to know what happens next!!

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Review: Myths of Midwinter by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

Myths of Midwinter by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.

You have to read the previous books in the series for this book to be enjoyable and make sense.

Quillan Sullivan lost hi twin brother years ago but he has never been without Riley as he can see and hear him even though no one else can. He thought it was a fluke until Estella Broussard tells him otherwise. Estella seems to despise Quinlan and on her return from time abroad nothing including him is good enough for her but she desperately wants to talk to her late grandmother so has decided to use him. Meanwhile Nerys is guiding Alexsandr and Finn to find Ana to bring her home but they are unaware that there is a grave danger at home for the Deschanels and Sullivans via a Necromancer.

I found this story to be slow to start but it built to give increasing drama and complexity as the story went on. It pulled together a lot of threads in the series which hopefully means it will make your sense later on. It was well written and I understood everything and could feel the emotions being experienced by the characters. Now I just need to read the next one in the series.

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